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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this short session. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

Cost: £248. Dates on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be